Customs information system with selective transaction audit

Abstract

A system for generating and auditing customs documents for the importation of goods purchased by a buyer from a seller. The system includes a customs information system database that features records configured to record transaction information identifying the goods purchased, a customs classification of the purchased goods, and a valuation of the purchased goods. The system further includes an audit module configured periodically to audit the information in the records using a set of audit criteria. The audit module selectively audits only records containing transaction information that has been sent to a customs broker to be submitted to a customs authority.

1. A system for generating customs documents for the importation of goods purchased by a buyer from a seller, comprising a computer programmed with software, including:
 a network interface: 
 a customs information system database having records configured to record transaction information identifying the purchased goods, a customs classification of the purchased goods, and a valuation of the purchased goods, wherein the customs information system database is configured to be in electronic communication with a customs broker via the network interface such that the customs broker can access records to generate customs documents reporting the transaction information; and 
 an audit module configured to audit the transaction information, using an audit criterion, after the records are accessible by the customs broker for submission to a buyer's-country customs authority. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the audit module is configured to audit records for which the customs information system database has provided the transaction information to the customs broker for final submission to a customs authority. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the audit criterion tests customs classification information in the transaction information sent to the customs broker, against classification information in classification records.